Ministry of Defence
VISIT OF HON’BLE RAKSHA MANTRI TO SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND KOCHI
Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh visited Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command at Kochi from 20-21Jun 23. He celebrated the International Day of Yoga with the Armed Forces personnel and their families onboard the indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant. During the visit, the Raksha Mantri also attended the commemorative function on the eve of World Hydrography Day hosted onboard Indian Navy’s indigenously built survey ships and inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex  'Dhruv' at Naval Base, Kochi.
Commemorating World Hydrography Day, the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri unveiled navigation charts of Mauritius and the inner harbour of Port Blair at a ceremony onboard the indigenously built survey ships of the Indian Navy INS Jamuna, INS Sarvekshak and INS Investigator, on 20 Jun 23. The event was hosted by Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. VAdm Adhir Arora, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Controller of Personnel Services, RAdm J Singh, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command and other Senior Officers, and officers and sailors of Indian Navy’s Hydrography branch were also present on the occasion. A film highlighting the history and contributions of the Indian Hydrographic Department and its role in ensuring safe navigation, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment was shown. An exhibition of various survey equipment and foreign cooperation survey undertaken by the Indian Navy was also displayed. The survey ships of the Indian Navy are equipped with advanced technology, state of the art equipment and have been actively involved in mapping the vast IOR including ports and offshore infrastructures. On this occasion, the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri also interacted with the foreign trainees of Nigeria, Ghana, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka who are presently undergoing training at the National Institute of Hydrography, Goa.
On 21 Jun 23, the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri joined the Indian Navy personnel onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, for the International Day of Yoga celebrations. Over 800 Armed Force personnel along with their families, came together to join the event embracing the spirit of unity and well-being. Expert yoga instructors guided the participants through various yoga asanas  and breathing exercises promoting physical fitness, mental calmness and spiritual healing. On completion, the Raksha Mantri felicitated the yoga instructors and interacted with the participants including the Indian Navy Agniveers who are undergoing their professional courses at the Southern Naval Command.
An exclusive video on the Indian Navy's outreach activities on the International Day of Yoga was streamed, emphasising the Ocean Ring of Yoga theme . In his address, the Raksha Mantri highlighted the role of yoga in fostering resilience, discipline, and overall well-being among the armed forces. He expressed his gratitude to all participants for their unwavering commitment and acknowledged their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation's security.
In another event, the Hon'ble Raksha Mantri inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex  'Dhruv' at Naval Base, Kochi. ISC 'Dhruv' hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously built simulators which facilitate real-time experience on navigation, Fleet operations and Naval tactics.